Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the quiet strength, steady guidance, and big-hearted support that only a dad can give. But for Envoy Captain Brittany Gallarneau, those qualities weren’t just life lessons, they were flight lessons. This Father’s Day, we’re honored to share Brittany’s story that’s more than a career journey, but a story of family, mentorship, and the lifelong bond between a daughter and the first Captain she ever looked up to, her dad.

Aviation In the Bloodline

Born into what she lovingly calls the American “fAAmily,” Brittany’s aviation journey started early. Her mom worked as a Flight Attendant, and her dad was a Captain at the same airline, Envoy, formerly American Eagle. Flying was normal part of life – family time often meant tagging along on dad’s trips, hopping a flight from Chicago to Detroit just to swim in a hotel pool.

“We thought it was the coolest thing in the world,” Brittany shared. “He’d let us see the flight deck and sometimes say ‘welcome aboard’ over the PA. My sister and I idolized him.”

Finding Her Wings

It wasn’t until a high school career day that Brittany seriously considered aviation as her own path. “I realized I loved to travel, loved my dad’s lifestyle, and loved how American had taken care of our family,” Brittany said. “So, I told my dad, ‘I’m going to be a pilot.’ He was shocked – but he immediately took me flying in a Cessna 172. And I fell in love.”

That flight marked the beginning of something special, aviation became their shared passion. Her dad reinstated his Certified Flight Instructor credentials just to teach Brittany how to fly.

“He’d land his airliner and then call me to ask, ‘When can WE go flying again?’ I’d be waiting by the phone, already excited,” shared Brittany.

Milestones Made Together

On August 10, 2017 – her dad’s birthday – Brittany earned her private pilot’s license. From there, she attended Purdue University to study professional flight, but dad was never far. He flew into her college airport often – to see her dance team performances, to accompany her to check rides, and sometimes just to ferry planes together across the country.

“He was always there,” Brittany said. “Encouraging, supportive, and so proud.”

When she got her first flight in a jet, the Phenom 100, her dad was watching from the tower. When she graduated, he was cheering from the crowd. And when she received her Conditional Job Offer (CJO) from Envoy, he flew into DFW to take her to dinner and celebrate.

But one of the most touching memories came during her first IOE (Initial Operating Experience) at Envoy. Her dad surprised her by showing up in her jumpseat.

“People asked if I was nervous,” Brittany laughed. “But I wasn’t. He’s the one who taught me how to fly. It felt like everything had come full circle.”

Now, having completed her Captain upgrade training, Brittany wears another badge of honor: her dad’s epaulettes. While he’s currently out on medical leave and unable to be in the jumpseat, he made sure to send them to her. She proudly wore them during her IOE, Line Check, and Fed Ride.

More Than Just Flying

Brittany’s love for the job runs deep. “It’s not just flying – it’s knowing I’m playing a small role in someone’s big moment. People travel for weddings, funerals, reunions… I get to be part of the journey that connects them to the people they love.”

And through it all, her dad has been her greatest role model. “Everything I’ve done in aviation is because of him,” Brittany said. “My dream is to one day fly his retirement flight. I even kept my maiden name, just in case we get to be Captain and First Officer Gallarneau.”

They’ve shared countless flights, from Ireland to London to ferrying aircraft stateside. On one memorable trip, she watched from the jumpseat as her dad masterfully landed in challenging weather. “It was such a tough approach – near max crosswind limits and low visibility – but he landed it perfectly. I was just sitting there, smiling, thinking, ‘That’s my dad.’”

This summer, their next destination isn’t far-flung – it’s home. They plan to return to Chicago to be with family, enjoying time with her mom, sister, and extended loved ones.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without my dad,” Brittany said. “And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

To the dads who teach us how to fly—both in the air and in life—thank you. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing aviation dads out there, and especially to Captain Gallarneau, whose legacy continues to soar!